Belonging Micro-Grants

Particular emphasis is given to proposals designed to strengthen and promote diversity, equity and inclusion on campus by seven (7) key priority areas of the IDEAS framework:

1. Commitment: We will demonstrate institution-wide commitment to inclusive excellence. Such commitment is reflected in our shared definitions of diversity, equity, and inclusion; campus standards, community conversations, policies and across all constituencies; the shared responsibility and accountability of every community member; and the willingness of institutional leaders to serve as champions for inclusive excellence.
2. Culture: We will promote an institutional culture that encourages an equity-focused mindset and engages everyone in our inclusive excellence efforts.
3. Capacity: We will increase the capacity of all faculty and staff to promote inclusive excellence by providing education, awareness and training on inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility.
4. Curriculum, Pedagogy and Faculty Development: We will reflect inclusive excellence in our curriculum, pedagogy, and faculty development.
5. Compensation and Employment: We will pursue equity in employment representation and compensation for our colleagues across all divisions and at each level of the college and improve recruitment and retention of diverse faculty and staff.
6. Climate: We will assess campus climate and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion to identify factors that affect sense of belonging among faculty, staff and students.
7. Campus Life and Community: We will improve the recruitment and retention of diverse students; promote an inclusive campus life and community; and provide appropriate space, activities, leadership opportunities, resources, and services to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse student body.

The Belonging Micro-Grants Award Committee will be charged with reviewing all applications. Grants will be awarded on a rolling basis.

Belonging Micro-Grants serve as a grant to enhance or build an initiative, project or program that furthers Rhodes’ mission, strategic plan, and IDEAS framework. Proposals may request a maximum of $500.

• All Rhodes faculty, staff and students are eligible to submit proposals. Proposals may specify partnerships with other Rhodes entities or groups from the community willing to invest in the initiative or program. Letter(s) of Support are welcome but not required.
• Proposals must be submitted electronically through the online Belonging Micro-Grant Application.
• Proposals must be submitted in their completed form (that is, with full information concerning all aspects of the initiative and/or program including proposed budget.)
• Grants will be awarded on a rolling basis. Grants should be submitted four weeks prior to the intended event date.

1. The proposed initiative’s expected effectiveness in addressing one or more of the seven (7) key priority areas of the IDEAS framework outlined above.
2. The extent to which the proposed initiative shows that the applicant’s and/or their entity (department, office, student group) takes substantial ownership for and commitment to the initiative and/or program.
3. The extent to which the initiative is designed to show commitment and development toward a sustained and continuing effort.
4. The extent to which the proposed initiative and/or program promotes partnerships among faculty, staff, and students to address the targeted area.
5. The Belonging Micro-Grant serves as a seed grant to enhance or build an initiative.

Applicant information:

• First/last name, title:
• Campus Email Address:
• Phone:
• Department, office, or student group:

Grant Information:

• Title of Initiative or program: 
• Identify target area(s) the grant will address:

1. Commitment: We will demonstrate institution-wide commitment to inclusive excellence. Such commitment is reflected in our shared definitions of diversity, equity, and inclusion; campus standards, community conversations, policies and across all constituencies; the shared responsibility and accountability of every community member; and the willingness of institutional leaders to serve as champions for inclusive excellence.
2. Culture: We will promote an institutional culture that encourages an equity-focused mindset and engages everyone in our inclusive excellence efforts.
3. Capacity: We will Increase the capacity of all faculty and staff to promote inclusive excellence by providing education, awareness and training on inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility.
4. Curriculum, Pedagogy and Faculty Development: We will reflect inclusive excellence in our curriculum, pedagogy, and faculty development.
5. Compensation and Employment: We will pursue equity in employment representation and compensation for our colleagues across all divisions and at each level of the College and improve recruitment and retention of diverse faculty and staff.
6. Climate: We will assess campus climate and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion to identify factors that affect sense of belonging among faculty, staff and students.
7. Campus Life and Community: We will improve the recruitment and retention of diverse students; promote an inclusive campus life and community; and provide appropriate space, activities, leadership opportunities, resources, and services to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse student body.

• Background (Please provide any background information as it relates to the problem, challenge, or opportunity.)
• Objectives (Please provide brief, clear statements that describe the desired outcomes of the project/program.)
• Total Budget (If the grant is intended to pay only a portion of the total budget, what is the total budget of the project/program?)
• Amount Requested (no more than $500)
• Budget Narrative (Explain how the requested grant funds will be used, e.g. materials, catering, travel, rentals.)
• Initiative/Program Timeline